Nova Scotia’s Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) is designed to help eligible residents with the costs of home heating.
This guide explains what HARP is, who qualifies, how to apply, how much you can get, deadlines, and tips to avoid delays, based on the most recent official information.
What is the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) in Nova Scotia?
The Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) is a seasonal rebate provided by the Government of Nova Scotia.
It is meant for low- and modest-income households who pay for their own home heating.
The program covers many types of heating sources, such as oil, electricity, natural gas, wood, pellets, coal, and others.
The rebate offers financial relief to help households with the burden of heating costs during the winter months. HARP runs on a fixed schedule each year.
Who is eligible for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program in 2025?
Eligibility for HARP 2025-26 includes the following criteria:
- You must pay directly for your home’s heating (not included fully as part of rent).
- You must have a net income (after tax) below certain limits:
• For single-person households: up to $30,000 net.
• For family / multi-person households: up to $45,000 combined net income. - Those who receive Income Assistance or the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) automatically qualify regardless of income thresholds.
- Applications are open, whether you rent or own, as long as you pay for the heating for your home.
How much rebate do eligible households receive?
For the 2025-26 heating season, the rebate amount is $400 per eligible household.
This is a change from previous seasons, where the amount was higher.
When can you apply and what are the deadlines?
Key dates for the 2025-26 cycle of HARP are:
- Application opens: October 1, 2025
- Deadline to apply: March 31, 2026
Make sure to apply as soon as possible after October to allow enough time for processing.
How to apply for HARP
Here are the steps to apply:
- Collect required documents:
- Proof of net income (recent tax return or Notice of Assessment) for yourself and any other adults in the household.
- Proof of heating costs or heating bill (receipt, invoice, etc.). Including a heating bill when applying can speed up processing.
- If you rent and pay heating separately, you may need a landlord declaration.
- Submit the application:
- Apply online via Nova Scotia’s official portal, at: novascotia.ca/heatinghelp.
- For those who received the rebate in past years, you may receive a mailed or emailed reminder.
- Paper applications are also available at Access Nova Scotia Centres, MLA offices, and other government service points.
- Choose delivery method:
- If you have direct deposit setup with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the rebate will be deposited into your bank account.
- If not, a cheque will be mailed.
What is the processing time and how to check status?
After you apply:
- The processing time is 8 to 10 weeks in most cases. If your application is missing information, it may take longer.
- You can check the status of your HARP application online, using your application confirmation number and postal code.
Changes in 2025 compared to previous years
Several important changes for the 2025-26 heating season:
- The rebate amount has dropped from $600 (in previous seasons) to $400.
- Income thresholds are stricter now: single households must have net income up to $30,000, families up to $45,000. Both are lower than in past seasons.
- A focus on helping “most vulnerable” Nova Scotians, with more reminders for previous recipients and simplified access through government service offices.
